Yes the pores will pull all your cooking nights into it. Any grease would be very hard to take off that type of material.

Ken

I do like the looks of your cabinets! What type of finish you going with?

Ken

the cooktop will actually be on the opposite side on "island". Is brick still a bad idea if not cooking by it?? Thanks so much for your help!

Doing Sherwin williams "pure white" as finish.

Yes and no to the brick deal, if you seal the brick so can clean off easier would be good. But I have seen the rough looking rock like the home I am building put as backsplash.!? It does look good. White will be a great look for your cabinetry!

Ken

Have you looked at many actual samples of the
Chicago brick? If so, you can decide for yourself. But I would just say that you should be aware of the cleaning problem. If you do go that way, get extra bricks so you can pick the most sturdy ones. Chicago bricks vary greatly in durability and some are very crumbly. We figured at least 10 percent or more were not usable, and that was in a living room application. Remember that you really can't clean them of stains. Love your cabinets!

No...just really liked a sample of it I found. Love that vintage look!

Are you using the Chicago brick veneer? Those are bricks that have been cut to apply like tile and will be sturdier and more uniform than a typical run of whole bricks. Put a matt finish tile sealer over the bricks and grout ( try on a brick first to be sure you like the look). If not near your stove, that should work. I love the colors in Chicago bricks. They are definitely a rustic look, though. Looks like a great kitchen!

Keep us updated as your progress will be future ideas for all that view your new kitchen.

Ken